As All American gets deeper into its seventh season, it has given vague details of how much Amina truly knows about how her mother, Monique Moore, died and the roles Preach and Coop played in the night's events. Amina had been a child at the time, and Preach had not given Amina all of the details surrounding the events of Monique's death. But, now a teenager, Amina is determined to learn the truth about Monique's death or at least find someone willing to discuss her in a positive light. Coop and Preach do realize that they need to tell Amina something, but it is uncertain just how honest they will be, especially given the complexity of the circumstances that led to Monique's death.
Still, Amina's determination is an interesting way for All American to discuss the significance of perspective. Amina only ever knew Monique as her mother and has held on to her in a format that allows Amina to idolize the version of the woman she has placed on a pedestal. As for Preach and Coop, they have vastly different experiences with Monique, and they know she had sides to her that Amina never got the opportunity to see. All American presents an interesting discussion through the use of a character who has not been a part of the show in years. Monique was a flawed person, but varied perspectives may allow her to feel more grounded rather than being entirely good or entirely bad. Her mistakes are well documented, but that does not mean she never had any positive impacts.
However, Amina's lack of knowledge of the truth is reaching a point where it needs to be confronted. While Amina can still look back on her mother in a positive light, Coop and Preach do need to be honest with Amina, at least so that she has a full picture of who her mother was. In season four, Preach and Coop each give Amina a version of the story without the full details, but maybe the time has come for Amina to learn the full truth. After all, with how much screen time has been given to Amina missing her mother, there needs to be a payoff in some way that allows Amina to confront her feelings regarding Monique, Coop, and Preach for what occurred between the three of them. Coop and Preach can deal with the aftermath of Amina's reaction afterward.
"Squabble Up" also suggests that the tension between Cassius and Jordan is not as over as previously suggested. Cassius' prior openness to use the Baker family plays disappears when Cassius is left with Jordan Baker himself. Cassius' dedication to wanting the Beverly High Eagles as a priority remains an integral part of his character, but his continued negative attitude toward Jordan is a step above friendly competition. While Jordan is always willing to partake in conversation on a friendly level, Cassius can only last so long before a competitive guard comes up, squashing the chance of a continued friendship. Jordan represents the mix of the Baker family legacy and the hopeful 3-peating South Crenshaw Chargers. While Cassius is fighting tooth and nail for his team's success to be acknowledged, Jordan works on the winning team, striving to prove to Coach Bobby that he is worth the time. Still, the conflicting dynamic between Cassius and Jordan could have an exciting payoff if they can come out of the experience as friends, especially as KJ, Amina, and Khalil's worlds continue to merge.
All American is also circling back around to Layla's role as a music producer as the series leans into the understanding that comes with demographics, nostalgia, and second chances. The storyline gives Layla the opportunity to find her love and excitement in music again, especially since it has been a while since she was in the studio. It also gives her a stronger plot line as her decision to sign a controversial artist making a comeback allows Layla the opportunity to fight and prove the importance of second chances and the ability to recognize that people can grow and change from some of their worst actions or behaviors. Given how Layla started off the season wondering if she had already accomplished everything too early, showing her thriving again in music, one of the first places that her professional success took flight, it can simultaneously act as a full circle moment and an important decision to show Layla's personal growth.